Pan, W and Pan, M (2023) Rethinking lean synergistically in practice for construction industry improvements. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(7), pp. 2669-2690. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Lean construction is widely known as a theory or methodology of organizational management, while seldom been studied as a solution for industry improvements through practice. This paper explores the practical role of lean for construction industry improvements beyond its theoretical inspirations by empirically examining the industry understanding and practice with the case of Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach: The research was designed as a mixed-method study by combining a critical literature review, semi-structured interviews with relevant professionals, and a follow-up research workshop that includes eight focus group discussions over two break-out sessions with Hong Kong construction stakeholders. Findings: The research results indicate a low awareness of the term “lean construction” in use, but its principles were implicitly embedded in relevant practices and techniques, particularly building information modeling (BIM), low or zero carbon building (L/ZCB), and prefabrication and modular construction. Practitioners perceived wide-ranging benefits of lean for construction industry improvements but were reluctant to pioneer its adoption and concerned the multi-level challenges. Originality/value: The paper provides a new practical perspective to rethink lean for construction industry improvements through its synergies with emerging practices, i.e. BIM and ICT, L/ZCB and sustainability, and prefabrication and modular construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Hong Kong; industry improvement; lean construction; lean practice; productivity; sustainability |
| Index terms: | literature review, organizational management, interview, lean construction, focus group, zero carbon building, modular construction, methodology, practitioner, productivity, building information modelling, Hong Kong, workshop, construction industry, prefabrication, synergy |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, sustainability and energy, practitioner, construction type, data collection methods, business, industry analysis, information systems, partnership management, building construction, Geography, management, research methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Site Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here